Why Is My Ball Python Periscoping? An Explainer
Have you noticed your ball python occasionally lifting its head and part of its body upright? As a pet parent, this behavior may concern you. Perhaps you worry your python is being aggressive or defensive and prepare for it to strike. However, rest assured periscoping is completely natural ball python behavior and not a defensive technique whatsoever.
In this article we’ll explain everything you need to know about ball python periscoping. You’ll learn what periscoping is, why your snake does it and how it differs from the serious condition called stargazing.
What Is Ball Python Periscoping?
Periscoping describes when a ball python lifts its neck up high while putting its head in a forward position. The pose makes it look like the snake is poised to strike, which can be alarming to owners.
But this peculiar behavior is simply a form of exploration for ball pythons. You’ll see it when they are checking out new surroundings, both in captivity and the wild. It helps them get a better vantage point to observe what’s around them.
In the wild, ball pythons periscope to see over tall grasses and shrubs as they slither around. And in captivity, you may notice them doing it when allowed to roam outside their enclosure.
Your python may also periscope when being handled, which could startle you. It’s important not to show fear in this situation, as that may cause your snake to become defensive. Just remain calm and let your python explore.
The Difference Between Periscoping and Stargazing
It’s crucial to understand periscoping differs greatly from a condition called stargazing. Stargazing involves prolonged, abnormal posturing that signals illness or injury.
When stargazing, a ball python will twist its neck and stare skyward abnormally. The condition gets its name from the fact the snake looks like it’s gazing at the stars.
Stargazing indicates an underlying health problem affecting the nervous system. It could stem from overheating, toxicity, infection, or neurological issues. Other symptoms accompanying stargazing can include tremors, seizures, and problems righting themselves.
So while periscoping is natural, stargazing is not. Seek veterinary care immediately if your ball python starts stargazing.
Why Ball Pythons Periscope
Now that you understand what periscoping entails, let’s explore why ball pythons do it. Here are the main reasons your snake may periscope:
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To get a better view of surroundings while exploring. Both in the wild and captivity, ball pythons periscope to see over obstacles like tall grass and cage furnishings. It helps them scope things out.
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Not enough hiding spots in their enclosure. Ball pythons feel more secure with ample hides. Periscoping could indicate they are searching for more hiding places. Ensure their habitat has plenty.
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You rearranged their enclosure. If you moved your python’s hides and furnishings around, they may periscope while reacclimating to the new setup and searching for their hides.
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Being handled in an unfamiliar environment. Getting picked up and brought into a new room or outside can elicit periscoping as your snake tries to get the lay of the land. It’s completely normal.
In all these scenarios, periscoping allows ball pythons to gain a better visual of their surroundings. It’s not a bad behavior at all—just a way to explore and assess their environment.
Tips for Dealing With a Periscoping Ball Python
Now that you know periscoping is nothing to worry about, here are some tips for handling it smoothly:
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Don’t show fear if your python periscopes when being handled. This can cause them to become defensive. Act calm and let them explore.
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Make sure their enclosure has at least two snug hides. This gives them security and reduces periscoping to search for cover.
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Go slow when allowing them to explore new environments. Have patience and let them periscope to acclimate.
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Never interpret periscoping as aggression. It’s not a defensive posture, just a way to get the lay of the land.
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If your ball python stargazes, seek veterinary help immediately. It could signal a major health issue requiring attention.
The Takeaway
When your ball python periscopes, it can look like they’re poised to strike, which is scary. But rest assured this exploratory behavior is completely normal and not a sign of aggression at all. Periscoping allows ball pythons to visually examine their surroundings.
Just be sure not to confuse it with stargazing, which indicates a health problem. And avoid showing fear if your snake periscopes when handling it. With the right understanding of this behavior, you can make your snake feel comfortable showing their natural periscoping instincts.
The Three Stages of Ball Python Activity – Benjamin’s Exotics
FAQ
Why is my ball python periscoping?
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Exploration:In their natural habitat, ball pythons use this behavior to look over long grass and vegetation, according to The Paradise Nature Park.
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Sensory Information:The tongue flicking seen during periscoping is a way for the snake to gather scent and environmental information.
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Comfort and Safety:If a ball python is periscoping, it usually indicates they feel safe and comfortable in their environment.
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New or Unfamiliar Environment:They might be periscoping more frequently when they’re in a new enclosure or exploring a new part of it.
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Following Heat:Some ball pythons might also extend their heads to follow a heat source, like a heat mat or a heat gradient in their enclosure.
What does it mean when a ball python stargazing?
No. This is not stargazing. Stargazing means they are unable to orient their heads. This snake is just craning its head up and trying to go higher. You really need more enrichment, cover, and climbing opportunities in here. Snake is likely bored out of its might.
Why do ball pythons scope?
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Periscoping Behavior:This behavior is a natural part of a ball python’s exploration and hunting strategies.
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Natural Habitat:In the wild, ball pythons live in areas with dense vegetation, including tall grasses.
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Purpose of Periscoping:By raising their heads, they can see over obstacles and scan their surroundings for potential prey or predators, helping them navigate and hunt effectively.
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Not Stargazing:It’s important to note that “periscoping” is a normal behavior and should not be confused with “stargazing,” which can indicate neurological issues or a disorder of equilibrium, especially in spider ball pythons.
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Curiosity:According to the MorphMarket Reptile Community, ball pythons may also simply be curious and raise their heads to investigate their environment.
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Other senses:Ball pythons use a variety of senses, including sight, smell, and thermal imaging, to hunt, with pits along their face allowing them to track sources of body heat.
Why is my ball python glass surfing?
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Enclosure Design:Ball pythons are naturally shy and prefer to hide, so a cluttered enclosure with plenty of hides is crucial.
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Temperature and Humidity:Ensure a proper temperature gradient (warm side and cool side) and appropriate humidity levels (around 60% minimum).
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Enrichment:Ball pythons need opportunities to explore and engage in natural behaviors. Consider adding climbing branches, substrate, and other enrichment items.
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Stress:If your ball python is stressed, it might exhibit behaviors like glass surfing. Try to identify and eliminate any potential stressors, such as loud noises, bright lights, or excessive handling.
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Unclear Barriers:Some owners believe that ball pythons don’t fully understand clear barriers, and therefore they may perceive the glass as an open space and try to explore beyond it.
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Glass surfing can also be considered a stereotypy, a repetitive behavior that can occur when an animal is unable to perform natural behaviors due to confinement.